Do Head Lice Have Brains?

Head lice do not have brains, but they do need to be close to the host’s skin in order to survive. The warm and moist environment is perfect for the tiny creatures to thrive. They feed on blood a few times a day. And they are extremely sticky, so they can stay attached to the scalp for days.

You can treat lice with over-the-counter products found at most drug stores. If home remedies do not work, a visit to a doctor is required. Those who have been exposed to the child with the lice may need stronger treatments as well. Olive oil is an effective treatment for lice eggs. You can also use a fine metal comb to remove the eggs. Beeswax is another helpful remedy.

The number of sensilla and sensory structures on the head louse’s antennae is low compared to other insects. This makes it important to determine the function of the antennae in head lice. Moreover, future studies should investigate whether other parts of the lice’s body contain these sensory structures.

Moreover, head lice are not able to survive outside of their host’s scalp. The female louse lays three to eight eggs daily. These eggs are attached to hair strands that are approximately half an inch (5 millimeters) from the scalp. These eggs require warmth from the host’s head to hatch. Unlike other insects, head lice do not have wings or legs. Their only way to move is by crawling.